CHAPTER 31

“No one can ever change the fact that you are my precious.”

The Governor’s place was successfully torn apart by the Kazans after the Meijin was defeated. Visanté and Ismael led a few surviving men to capture Dymaz who was hiding in his chamber. Kaza City received Raviex, Christine, Kyoden, Sonia and Lorenne with a roar of jubilation as they returned from their fight. It was a time for celebration as the people of the City of Bravery were finally free from Dymaz’s tyranny.

The Yamist and Messenger of Bravery came forward to them with smiles of triumph. “Kaza City will live in peace from now on thanks to all of you,” said Visanté.

“It is our victory together, Visanté,” corrected Raviex. “I’m glad to know that my people will live in joy again.” The Kazans, though suffered casualties themselves, were excited that their city would be restored to its previous glory. The injured did not flinch at their wounds nor did they complain about their injuries. Everything was worth it for the better future.

Kyoden looked around in swift glances. “Hey, where are Yexi and Shenjoon? I don’t see them anywhere.”

“Yexi brought Shenjoon back to my place once Dymaz’s defeat was secured. She was worried for his condition. I think he exceeded his limit during the fight,” informed Visanté.

“Poor Shenjoon, I should go and see if there’s anything I can do to help him,” suggested Lorenne kindly.

Visanté nodded in agreement. “I have assigned the women to take care of the medical needs of those who were involved in the battle. Some of the men who are still capable of work will be helping me and Ismael group the bodies of those who had sacrificed their lives for our victory. Tomorrow morning, we will give them the heroes’ burial. They will know that they did not die in vain.”

“I will help,” offered Raviex. Not too long ago, he had told Keith that casualties were unavoidable in a war. But he, as the Prince, could not deny the guilt for the lost ones despite the fact that it was truly not his fault. He felt a gentle squeeze of comfort on his hand from Christine.

“I guess I’ll help out too,” said Kyoden as well but both of the guys’ offer for help was shot down by Visanté.

“You guys had it rougher than us. Your battle with the Meijin must have taken quite a toll on you. I believe you all need a good and well-deserved rest more than we do now. Return to my place first. I will join you shortly when we’re done here,” he insisted.

Sonia spoke for the team. She knew they wanted to help out of thoughtfulness but she also knew that their bodies were about to collapse due to exhaustion. They had been up all night, battling all-out. Their worn-out physiques would not be able to assist Visanté much anyway. “Once we’ve regained strength, we will do what we can for the Kazans.”

“Oh yes, before I forget, Lorenne, could you please place a binding spell on Dymaz and cage him up nice and tight? We’d like to make sure he will be punished for all his crimes,” said Visanté, smiling grimly.

“My pleasure to do so,” said Lorenne, her magical staff ready in her hand.

Visanté escorted her to the porch of the mansion where Dymaz was tied up. Lorenne grimaced in repulsion at the sight of the obese Governor. So did the others who had followed her.

“What is that ugly and oversized thing?” uttered Kyoden with a face of disgust, giving one the impression that those very words left foul taste in his mouth. Sonia did not retort his insult because she had to agree with it. If there was any word which could represent more than the word ‘obese’, it would be a very good time to use it then. She doubted his feet could support the weight of his enormous body.

Dymaz was sprawled on the ground and seemed to be barely conscious. His large nose was broken and bleeding. His thick lips were cut. It was easy to assume that some Kazans had decided to deliver their punches and kicks on him as early payment for the miseries that he had given to them.

“Please, I beg you… no more…” he moaned, cringing fearfully at them.

Visanté ignored him and told Lorenne to begin whenever she wanted. She stomped the end of her staff onto the ground and muttered incantations in a strange tongue, none that Raviex had ever heard of, he was sure.

A glowing purple rope materialised in midair. Dymaz squirmed in panic, trying to put some distance between him and the snake-like rope. But the rope circled him and knotted itself. It went out of visibility after that.

“Cut the ropes off him, Visanté,” spoke Lorenne calmly. Trusting in her, he did so without questioning her. The ropes fell off him harmlessly. Dymaz wanted to run for it but discovered that none of his limbs would respond to his command.

“Anyone besides me cannot free him and because Visanté and the others ardently wish that you face justice, I’m summoning a guardian to ensure that you cannot leave this spot,” said Lorenne with mocked sweetness. “Come forth, Teruya!”

A white altar shone in front of Lorenne. A huge beast appeared. It resembled a full-grown polar bear with vicious fangs. It growled gruffly at Dymaz who whimpered and hid his head beneath his fleshy arms. When it saw Lorenne, it welcomed her friendlily and nuzzled up against her.

“Good Guardian, Teruya. Please guard him for us,” she said politely. It blinked at her meaningfully. Giving it a last rub behind its ears, she turned to her friends. “Teruya is one of Jerusyn’s Guardian Beasts in Amaea. I’m on good terms with it. So, it will do my biddings. With it around, anyone who dares come within its range will be its… meal.”

“And you’re sure it won’t make Dymaz its meal?” Kyoden asked.

“Oh, so long as he doesn’t try anything which Teruya deems funny,” she smiled.

“Alright, now that it’s done, you can all go now. Just leave the rest to me, yeah?” Visanté shooed them away.

Lorenne tapped on the Tao-yang couple’s room’s door softly and it was opened silently by Yexi who smiled at the sight of the group. She pressed a forefinger on her lips and beckoned them to come into the room for she knew their concern for her little husband.

They saw the Flamese boy fast asleep on the bed; his bruises and cuts were already well attended to. There was no need for any healing skills. His black hair which was partially tied up into a small bun for most of the time, was now let down. Kyoden watched him respectfully, not forgetting how Shenjoon had impressed him with his own abilities.

The dutiful wife herded them out of the room after a full minute. “Don’t worry about Shenjoon. He will be his energetic self again when he wakes up,” assured Yexi. “In the meantime, I think you should all follow his example and take a good rest too.”

“Not just us, Yexi, you should also rest,” said Raviex.

“Indeed, Raviex.” She bowed and went into her room.

Kyoden stretched his arms wide and yawned. “I gotta catch up with my beauty sleep. I wouldn’t want any wrinkles on my flawless face, no?”

“Whatever, Kaneshiro,” Sonia muttered. They both entered their rooms which were directly opposite to one another. Kyoden and Sonia certainly did not waste any time to disappear into the rooms.

“You coming, Christine?” asked Lorenne, a hand on the door’s handle. She did not catch the answer as she was yanked into the room and the door was shut.

“Yeah, I’m coming,” she said. The auburn-haired girl gazed at her right hand which was held by Raviex all along. “Well…”

“I’ll see you in a few hours, right?” he murmured, looking at her tenderly.

A playful smile broke across her face. “Of course, where else would I go if it’s without you, silly?” She brushed his front hair once teasingly and giggled. “Pleasant dreams this time, Raviex.”

“Ryn—”

Raviex stared at the door which was closed on him. He sighed and then chuckled, ruffling the back of his brown-blonde head. He was contented that their relationship was mended and felt a little giddy and breathless at the thought that they now shared a much special bond compared to before.

Standing over him, Yexi caressed Shenjoon’s face lovingly, careful not to disturb him in his sleep. She sensed for his heartbeat. The melodic rhythm told her that he was in a calm state. One day, this young heart would grow into a valiant one, burning with infinite passion to fight for the Light.

She was astounded when she saw him execute the skill 365 Palms of Cosmic Divinity. Although it was one of the Tao-yang family’s legacies, his grandfather did not teach it to him. Shenjoon could not possibly let his grandfather know that he could perform it because… he had copied and stole it from him probably when he witnessed a stimulated match between him and his father.

“You’re so impatient, Shenjoon,” she whispered, smiling at his peaceful features. Grandpapa would have taught you when he thinks you are ready. Look at what you have done to yourself and I was worried sick for you. You have such a long way to travel still.

Nevertheless, you have proven so much more of the strength you have attained. I am convinced now, Your Holiness, Elinas, that my decision is the right one.

She slid her legs underneath the blanket and laid her head on the pillow with the least movement. Pressing her palm against his, Yexi eased her mind to sleep.

Droplets of water splashed onto his military uniform-like clothes as he stood at the edge of a small waterfall. The water fell noisily, splattering on the rocks beneath it but the noise was not enough to muffle the clear and soothing music of a harp produced from a silver orb which was descending to him.

A tall woman of celestial beauty emerged from the orb; her hair was long and their colour, shining silver. They parted at the centre back and were tied to the front separately with two red ribbons in a criss-cross pattern.

She took a deep breath of the fresh air and sighed in envy. “If this is the way you spend your time in the mortal’s world, Calith, I wouldn’t mind joining you any time.”

“I thought you weren’t the type to follow Kaisen’s crazy examples, Elinas,” said Calith, opening his amber-gold eyes to see the goddess of Inspiration in his company.

Her enchanting amethyst eyes met his, a powerful gaze combined with a touch of longing. “I think... a goddess like me has the rights to visit someone she misses and wishes to see.”

Calith felt his cheeks grew warm. He averted his sight to the waterfall and pretended to be very absorbed with it. Elinas and Lorenne were two completely different individuals (besides their mortality status). Elinas had been his closest female companion ever since their creation. No one could have known and understood him better than her.

Long before he stumbled across Lorenne, Elinas had clarified her feelings for him. It was an open secret among the other members of the Light. Unlike Lorenne who, when he first met her, lacked the confidence Elinas always radiated. She was a fragile mortal whose sweet innocence caused him to love her so irrationally.

Occasionally, he would wonder if things would have been better off if he had chosen to accept Elinas’ feelings and never come to be acquainted with Lorenne. Then, she would not have to go through the suffering she was undergoing now because of him.

Elinas turned away dejectedly. She did not need Jerusyn’s ability to read another’s mind to know what he was mulling over about. At moments like these, she wished she did not understand him too well. She restarted the conversation to smoothen the situation.

“Calith, is it really fine for you to involve yourself with mortal affairs?” There was no scepticism, only worry. When he refused to answer her, she continued cautiously. “I am referring to that boy, Shajou. Xeloah seems to disapprove your coming in contact with him.”

He weighed up the decision to share his knowledge with her but who could he believe in more than her, the one who took his side in spite of his sin and love for another that was not her? She deserved his full trust after how she had risked her own godly status and defied Xeloah in his terrifying wrath because of him.

“Not too long ago, Kaisen visited me too and his words drew suspicion in me, Elinas. The Kaza War… the outcome, it was far out of our expectation. I honestly thought it had something to do with Kairos and Chronos but Kaisen insisted that there was someone or at least something different at work, assisting the Darkness too much that the balance of the Light and the Darkness was toppled over.

For once, Kaisen is above all of us. I was convinced by his theory. My absence in Amaea is not the primary reason the balance is destroyed. The Kaza War is a sign that the Darkness has overridden the Light. There is a high chance that the Darkness has initiated a move which is veiled from us.”

Calith observed her reaction as he spoke. Her eyes penetrated and searched his, perhaps hoping that he would be bluffing. But why would he? His statement was a serious one and definitely of non-humour material.

“Calith, don’t you think that Jerusyn would have known?” she voiced her only reservation about what he said. The suggestion that their counterparts were conspiring to overthrow them unsettled her.

“We might possess extraordinary abilities, Elinas, but our abilities have their respective weaknesses and flaws. While we may be called the mortals’ gods, we are merely instruments to connect them to the Creator, the Ancient Spirit. My current state is evidence to our imperfection,” said Calith with repentance. “Life forms with sensitive life force can feel the imbalance clearly. They are responding in ways to the unnatural phenomenon. My Yamist is one of them.”

Elinas stared at him. “Christine Falcon? But is it not because you… have yet to present her, her Scroll?”

He shook his head to deny it. “On the contrary, Elinas, my banishment has interfered with the timing of it but I have still planned to bestow her Scroll to her supposed Messenger, Keith Falcon but I am unable to when I should be able to. If I am not mistaken, Christine is the only Yamist who has not received hers.

The timeline explains that my exile worsens the imbalance. Christine’s soul reacted to it by rejecting the Scroll without her knowing it. It’s the first time that a Yamist’s soul rejects a given Scroll. Something extraordinary is going on. Surely, I am not one who would forsake his Yamist.”

“Not at all,” she admitted. History recorded the god of Righteousness as the most promising among the other gods to his Yamist. Why should there be an exception to his existing Yamist?

“That boy, Shajou as he is called now; he was the one trailing me for quite some time. I assumed he was the source of the disruption of the balance. However, my investigation showed it to be a wrong hunch. He may be a pawn in the player’s game.”

“You are trying to save his soul then?” she queried.

Calith smiled bleakly at her. “He is so young and has a kind heart. It justifies enough for him to get a second chance to turn over a new leaf.”

Elinas leaned her head against his arm fondly and said, “You are kind; too, Calith and I believe you will get your second chance. You will return to Amaea one day.”

Deep in the Valkyr Empire’s fortress amidst the Tempest of Poseidon, a boy’s lifeless body was seated on a misshapen chair carved out of a rough rock in an empty dark cellar.

“I should have realised that you’re much too soft, Shajou,” whispered the man with the snake-like mask into his ear though he could not listen. “Saving your enemy is something I cannot tolerate. For that, I will make you do the things you so hatefully do for me, things which are far more terrible than what you have done thus far—without your conscience, without a will to resist.”

Lazachus Valkyr smirked as he left the boy who was now only a living shell. “You are my pawn, Shajou. It is a fate you cannot break away from.”

Dressed in clean clothes and after a refreshing bath, Raviex walked over to the still slumbering Kyoden and nudged him. “Hey, Kyoden, I think you should get up now. Everyone’s up already.”

To his surprise—more like horror, actually—Kyoden grabbed at him blissfully and made smooching actions. Raviex let out a frightful yelp and tried hard to yank himself away from him.

“Kyoden, what in Calith’s name are you doing?!” exclaimed Raviex, panicking at the closing distance of their lips. “Let go of me before I do anything I would regret later!”

The Haikenese came to his senses the same instant the Prince wanted to do something drastic to defend his dignity. “W…what…?” he stirred, his feminine eyes opened. He shrieked when he found himself in a dangerously close distance with Raviex. Instantaneously he let go of the Prince, gasping for air.

“Raviex Katelion, what in Kaisen’s name are you doing?!”

Raviex looked at him, wide-eyed and speechless. “You were the one who jumped on me, trying to… trying to—”

“And just when I thought you were a straight guy who loves Christine!”

“I am a straight guy!” he said defensively. How did things turn out this way?!

Kyoden chuckled. “Oh, Raviex, now I understand your secret desire! Well, well, I promise Christine would never know of it.”

“I have no secret desire for men!” Raviex practically shouted, beet red in the face.

“Now, now, let’s not live in denial…”

“I’m not living in denial, Kyoden!”

The other laughed heartily. “Of course, you’re not. I was only joking with you.” He stretched and got to his feet to go wash up.

“Err… Kyoden, just what were you dreaming about?” asked Raviex before he disappeared out of his sight.

“About you,” he said playfully.

Raviex felt an overwhelming wave of nausea after immediately hearing Kyoden’s answer.

Of course not, Raviex, even I am wondering who I was dreaming about. Kyoden sighed. There goes my habit of forgetting dreams when I wake up, he thought disappointedly.

Collecting his cool, Raviex tossed Kyoden’s bad joke out of his head and went out of his room. He saw the back of the red-haired girl at the front yard, talking enthusiastically with the now active Flamese boy. She heard his footsteps and spun around, a bright smile on her face.

“Hey there, sleepyhead, about time you come out of your royal chamber,” teased Christine.

Raviex blushed. “You’re up early, Ryn.” He saw Yexi reading a book while sitting on a swing nearby which was made by two thick ropes hung over a firm tree branch and a wooden plank as the seat.

Shenjoon left the scene, feeling rather unwanted at the moment and somewhat awkward. He let out a groan of boredom, sauntering towards his wife. The pair of silver-grey eyes looked up at him from the book, her lips forming a smile.

“You don’t seem very happy, Shenjoon.” She gestured for him to sit next to her on the swing.

He sat down and sniffed. “I don’t get it, Yexi. I thought Christine disliked Raviex. But now, she’s so nice to him. Christine was about to teach me some of her combat moves…”

Yexi chuckled. So that’s why he’s upset, she mused. “I’m sure if Christine said she would teach you, she eventually will. She is just appreciating the time she is having with the Prince.”

Frowning at her, befuddled, he said, “You’re not making it any easier for me to understand too.”

“When she acted coldly towards him, it doesn’t necessarily mean that she disliked him. There might have been a misunderstanding between them. Now that they have cleared it, they are fine together,” said Yexi patiently.

He hummed as he brooded over her words. “Does that mean that if we have a misunderstanding, we will be like how they were?”

“Even if we do, you know that I still care about you more than myself,” she remarked.

Shenjoon shuddered. “I’m okay, Yexi, you should care about yourself. I mean…,” he glanced sideway at her, “I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you…because of me.” She giggled at his discomfort. He stood up abruptly; there were obvious pink on his fair cheeks. “Whatever that means…” he added hastily before walking off with his round urn. “Girls are such a bother.”

More than half an hour later (after being rushed and yelled at by Sonia because he was taking such a painstakingly long time), Kyoden was prepared to leave the wooden house. The gang of friends strolled to the beach under the evening sky. Visanté who was the latest to rest but the earliest to rise, had informed Yexi (she woke up comparatively early too!) that dinner would be at the beach.

While Christine and Shenjoon resumed their conversation regarding hand-to-hand combat skills, Kyoden held Raviex back to speak to him in private. He made sure no one was in the earshot beforehand.

“We didn’t exactly have the chance to talk this morning. So, you’re with Christine now?” he questioned secretly.

Raviex exhaled softly. It was in his expectance that Kyoden would talk to him about it. “Well… I suppose you can put it that way.”

“But…” Kyoden’s voice was so low that he had to strain his ears to listen. “What about that girl who’s waiting for you on Floating Land?”

The Prince’s countenance condemned himself for the dilemma and guilt he was grappling with inside him. “I’ll find a way to tell her about Ryn when I go back to the Capital.”

“I trust you do like Christine sincerely in a special way… Let’s just hope the girl understands and is able to accept… err… the sudden end of the relationship,” said Kyoden unconvincingly.

He stared at the sand his bare feet were stepping on. I know who my heart is with now. I will protect Ryn from any harm. That’s a lifetime’s promise—a promise which will harm another who I care about as well. Sweet Airemi, how I dread the day I have to face Kairalina…

Kyoden nudged him from his spacing out. “Heads up, Christine’s coming.”

Christine peered at Raviex. “Are you still tired? You don’t look too good.”

He glared at the Haikenese’s back. He was moving ahead to regroup with the others, leaving them behind. “I’m fine, Ryn,” he said reassuringly.

“Great!” she beamed. “Let’s go, then, everyone’s waiting for their Prince!”

When he did not budge, she turned back and asked worriedly, “What’s wrong?”

“Umm… Do I get to be escorted by my fair lady?” he enquired innocently.

She gawked at him, tongue-tied. When she recovered, she declared, “No way, I’m not escorting anyone anywhere.” Sticking her tongue out at him roguishly, she ran off before he responded.

“Christine Falcon, how dare you disrespect a royalty!” he yelled at her jokingly and gave chase.

Dinner was an understatement when they saw what Visanté and the women laid out for them on a large square table. It was closer to a feast! The numbers of traditional Kazan dishes which were served could not possibly have lost to a meal Raviex generally had in the palace, therefore the phrase, ‘A meal fit for a king’. Since the Prince insisted, Visanté joined them but the women dared not for they thought they should honour him by remembering their lowly status before the royal blood.

The air was cooling with a slight salty scent. The sky turned dark and a campfire was set up to give them warmth and light as they carried on with their dinner after a prayer of gratefulness to the Light. Since most of the group besides Christine had never tasted Kazan food, they had to overcome the sense of unfamiliarity with them (Mabluku Territory was partially influenced by the Kazan culture).

“This is one of the more famous dishes around here. It’s called daging rendang,” introduced Visanté, referring to the plate which held beef cooked in the colour of brownish-black, which seemed to be mixed with coconut flesh shavings.

Raviex, Sonia and Lorenne hesitated upon eating it due to the colour. They had never seen anything like it in their places of origin. Christine took some happily and began chewing it with white rice. Kyoden blinked at it twice, but after sniffing it, scooped a large portion of it onto his plate greedily.

They stared at him. He looked up unknowingly. “What…? Just because it’s black, it doesn’t make it inedible. Back in Haiken, we have food that’s of this colour too, like the seaweed we use to wrap sushi,” he said, stuffing a mouth full of the daging rendang into his mouth. He shifted it around in his mouth, savouring the taste of it. “This is good stuff, people. It’s kinda’ spicy but you just gotta’ love it!”

Visanté laughed at his recommendation. The Fierell sisters ate it and were also delighted. It was something new and fresh to their taste buds. Raviex nibbled a little of it complete with his dining etiquette which he had practised since young. He had never experienced eating spicy food as it was not really approved in the Royal Palace to take it. However, after the first time, Raviex made a mental note to promote it in the palace.

“Try some serunding with pulut,” said Visanté, and then quickly added eagerly, “Let’s not forget the satay! One of my own personal favourites!”

He enjoyed watching his friends literally fell in love with his race’s food. Serunding is dried minced meat while pulut is made out of sticky rice. Satay is basically chunks of meat which is barbequed over the fire strung together using a neatly cut and thin bamboo stick.

Soon, they were launching themselves onto the varieties of dishes without any uncertainty. Most Kazan delicacies were spicy but they were, too, bursting with tastes of rich ingredients and spices.

Two hours later, they were officially done eating. They thanked Visanté and the humble women for the pleasurable and delicious meal. As they walked, a question developed in Kyoden’s mind. “Visanté, I thought the people were living in poverty. Where did all those lovely food—bless those who cooked them again—come from?” he asked.

He answered with an amused smile, “We savaged the cold freezer in the kitchen of Dymaz’s mansion and there was quite a handsome amount of leftovers. We can’t hold a huge celebration for you due to the post-war work and casualties but the Kazans thought it was the least they could do for you guys by providing a filling dinner.”

“Oh, they got that right,” Kyoden quipped. A small laughter was heard but as it died down, Raviex announced that they were to leave tomorrow early before daybreak. It was to avoid any large activities of sending off which might attract attention.

“Besides, I have told Erik to send some officials from the Floating Land to capture Dymaz. I wouldn’t want to be seen here as well,” he informed his friends. They nodded in agreement.

The following morning, they set off as according to plan. Visanté was the only one who sent them off and also the only one who was allowed to keep the genuine memories involving the presence of the Prince. Yexi had modified the Kazans memories through producing huge sound waves over the city to remember Raviex merely as a person named Cedric with the revelation of his true identity was erased completely.

Visante presented a silk pouch to Raviex as they spoke their farewells. “Ismael discovered this in Dymaz’s bedchamber. We believe it belonged to the late King Levon, your father, Raviex.”

Speechless, he accepted the pouch and loosened its top. His slender fingers reached into it and retrieved the King’s Rysalis which was worn by his father and was thought to have disappeared during the Kaza War.

The Rysalis is a long necklace, strung together by beads. It is a religious item and a tool of prayer. A believer of the Light would normally own one. The King’s Rysalis, however, is unique as it is classified as one of the Royal Treasures which could only be used by the King or the Crowned Prince.

“How did Dymaz get his hands of this?”questioned Raviex, eyes still transfixed on the gleaming sapphire gemstones that made up this necklace.

The Yamist of Bravery shook his head. “We do not know. He could have found it and chose to keep it for himself. We are more concerned about returning it back to its rightful owner.”

“Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me,” said the Prince.

“Well, this is it. If there is the need for it, I will assist you in defending this Kingdom from your enemies, Raviex. When you become king, please know that you will have this city’s full submission,” vowed Visanté.

The two exchanged a firm handshake. “Take care of my people, Visanté. When I return to the Floating Land, you are to formally serve me and the people as the leader of Kaza City.”

There was nothing left to be said. The group treaded off, resuming their primary journey to Sage Village with two new companions: the Yamist and Messenger of Inspiration.